16 people fined in Mumbai for failing to pick up after their pets

16 people fined in Mumbai for failing to pick up after their pets

A similar drive was initiated in 2016 at Marine Drive and Nariman Point after residents wrote to BMC about dog faeces littering the promenade

To ensure citizens picked up after their pets, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) initiated a three-day drive in D-ward last Friday. Sixteen people were fined for failing to pick up after their pets littered in public places.

As per Greater Mumbai Cleanliness and Sanitation Byelaws 2006, owners can be fined ₹500 if they fail to pick up after their pets. The drive was implemented in areas such as Girgaum Chowpatty, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai Central, Grant Road, Charni Road and Napean Sea Road. Teams of 32 clean-up marshals were deployed to patrol the areas.

A similar drive was initiated in 2016 at Marine Drive and Nariman Point after residents wrote to BMC about dog faeces littering the promenade,thus making it difficult for walkers and joggers to use it.

“We didn’t face any problem after the drive. Pet owners also took the responsibility of cleaning the area. They even formed a group and appointed personnel to inspect the area twice — morning and evening,” said Atul Kumar, president, Nariman Point Churchgate Citizens’ Association (NPCCA).

After the introduction of 2006 byelaws, BMC initiated a citywide drive in 2007 and planned to fine pet owners for letting their pets litter in pubic places and failing to pick up fater them. Pamphlets were also distributed to all IAS officers’ houses in Churchgate. BMC had decided to extend the rule to areas such as Cuffe Parade and Marine Drive.